TRACK TEMPLATES

[mkblk]

[?] I am in the planning stages of a small [:)] garden railway. Does anyone know of a source for #1 gauge track templates. I plan on using standard track components, primarily from Aristocraft. My basic design is a simple over/under figure 8 utilizing 6½' diameter track.

There will be an industrial siding and an engine servicing area that will require a number of turnouts, etc.

It would be helpful to be able to determine the number of curves, straights, 1/2 straights, etc. prior to ordering same.

I know that Atlas offers free software for HO and O. Does anyone have free or otherwise software for #1 gauge layouts?

Also, is there a source for a "wye" or must I use 3 standard turnouts. I would prefer to use 1 wye, 1 left and 1 right.

Your input will be appreciated! [:)]

[Anonymous]

mkblk-
You pose some very interesting points. Other than LGB I have never seen any templates for the other track mfgs (bachmann, USA, aristo) Aristo and USA are the same. You would think that they would give them away to get people to buy there track. I don't believe I have ever seen a "wye" track component advertised. Good Luck, on that one. I used graph paper, compass and protractor to design my layout. It came out pretty much like it looked on paper. I will look in my notes and get some info for you concerning the number of sections for each size turn, some have 16 and some have 12, I think some of the bigger ones even only have 10, I can't remember off the top of my head. Anyway, don't let the absence of a template scare you. It can be done.
pfd586

[mkblk]

To pfd586

Thanks for your reply. I did some "surfin" (gleaned from the pages of GR) and located a couple of fabricators of wyes (and other configurations as well). One of them is in Australia!

They look really nice, but are quite expensive (in the $100 range) and you can't expect discounts like on Aristo or USA, etc. because of the custom nature and low sales volume of these things. Of course Aristo-craft has introduced it's #6 switch so perhaps a "wye" is in the (near!) future. Also, I see that the Outback Turnouts No. 6 is reviewed in Oct 03 GR.

A thought: Has "Garden Railways" done a construction article on building
"compatible" (with Aristo, LGB, etc.) turnouts? When I was a kid (about a zillion years ago) I was taught how to construct HO turnouts by one of the best - Sherman E. Dance, but most of those brain cells died long ago!

[mkblk]

I recently talked to the folks at Aristo-craft. They do have a #6 Wye in the planning stages. No dates yet.

[Anonymous]

Dropping in on this in mid November I'm not sure if you got the info you needed yet. I'm in the loose planning and found a plastic "G" SCALE TEMPLATE (Draftsman lay over) for all makes of "G"scale sectional track produced by
CTT INC., Dallas Texas. PART # 3000. Cost when I purchased was $18.95+tax
This scal template has all curves and switches on a 1" = 12 Feet scale.
the company also produces rulers in the 1:22.5 Scale and 1:24 Scale.

[mkblk]

Larry,

Thanks for the feedback! I'll try to locate CTT on the 'net tonight. I won't actually be constructing my layout until spring, so that gives me some time. My primary task at the moment is to find a couple of tons of dirt!

MK

[Anonymous]

mkblk,

very good program called RRTrack. (RRTrack.com). Includes track sets for many guages of track as well as multiple manufactures in *G* or #1 Guage. It's set up like a CAD program with multiple layers so you can show wiring/layout/buildings/trees etc very easily. It also will help with inclined track and will show you 3D view as well. Runs on Windows and costs just under $100 last time I priced it. I've used it for dreaming for 4-5 years and will use it next summer as I finally start construction of my RR.

SM

[mkblk]

sandyman -

Thanks for the info.

What I've already done (in my own, crude, way) is to use an old program I've had for many years, Floorplan 3D, and adapted it to my needs. I have to make my own "tracks" and stuff, but it actually turns out pretty good. Of course I can't run "virtual" trains on it, but does help me visualize the finished? product.

MK

[Anonymous]

Hi all. I am new new new! WHat is a wye?

[mkblk]

SuzyQ -

I'm not an expert but a "wye" is where a single track diverges equally left and right from the straight. Most turn-outs (switches) have a straight through track and a curve "turn-out" to the left or right. Wyes are most often used to turn entire trains around. For example, assuming the train heads "north" into the wye; it first bears to the right and goes as far as necessary to clear the 1st turn-out. The train is now facing east. The turn-out is thrown and the train backs up in a westerly direction until it clears the 2nd turnout. The 2nd turn-out is then thrown and the train now proceeds in a southernly direction and eventually is running in the opposite direction on the same track it entered the "wye" on. Small "wyes" are used to turn just locomotives instead of using a more expensive (but less space consuming) turntable.

Hope I didn't overdo it!

MK

[RhB_HJ]

If planning more than a small[:)] GRR one of the following comes in handy CADrail http://www.sandiasoftware.com/cadrail/info/demo/demo.htm you can download a free DEMO copy.
The other is 3rdPlanIt http://www.trackplanning.com/download.htm, DEMO available!

If you go with CADrail, I have the libraries for Aristo.

Please note: Due to learning curve neither program is recommended for the casual "let's quickly design a small layout" user.
Either program will do lots more beside track planning!